NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Trainer Review

NordicTrack has always been a company that innovates. It was NordicTrack that came up with the idea of a ski-machine and they’ve been bringing new ideas to the market ever since. With a seemingly ingrained habit of producing home exercise machines with a little extra, we thought it would be good to take a look at their X22i incline trainer…

Assembly of this incline trainer is not any more difficult than a normal treadmill but for the size and weight of it. In terms of sheer bulk, the X22i is a beast. Weighing in at 138kg (304lbs) this incline trainer has a footprint of 183 x 101 x 178 LWH making it both slightly wider and taller than NordicTrack’s Commercial range of high-end treadmills. It’s only just a little shorter too.

Once installed this is an impressive looking machine. It’s chunky and barely moves when you try to shake it and there’s an enormous 21.5″ touch-screen display that makes this model look and feel state-of-the-art. It’s as good-looking as it is impressive. One thing to remember here is that most domestic treadmills can fold, saving some space if needed, whereas the X22i, being an incline trainer, does not fold. You’ll need around a foot of space all the way around this machine to use it safely so a good bit of space is required to house this machine properly.

In terms of performance, there’s a large 4.25 continuous-duty horsepower motor that pulls like a steam train. It’s quiet too and doesn’t make a fuss, happily delivering all the power that’s needed to make this trainer run smoothly. Being an incline trainer, the base of the unit is set higher up from the floor than a traditional treadmill so when you step up onto the deck there’s a feeling this is an action of consequence. In turn, the spacious deck and easy-to-reach, chunky handlebars, along with that oversized screen on the console provoke a sense of security that allows you to immediately turn your focus to the display in front of you. This is a machine that echoes the sort of thing you’d find in a respectable gym.

The X22i benefits from a decline function as well as an incline function with the range being a truly mountainous -6% to +40%. The 55cm x 152cm running area is generous and combined with the way that the console delivers the workouts (more on that in a moment), further increases the positive experience of using this machine as an incline trainer. NordicTrack has also eliminated an issue that was to be found on old models which resulted in the belt slipping if the machine was simultaneously set to a high incline level and a low speed. This was one of the first things we checked during testing and can confirm that this is simply not an issue on this model, no matter the weight of the load, the speed or the incline. This drastically improves the experience over old models as when the deck is set to a 40% incline level, it’s a rare thing to have the speed setting at anything but low!

The X22i isn’t just very good at being an incline trainer. It’s also very good at being a treadmill. The deck size is a match for any domestic running machine on the market and the cushioning employed here is Nordic’s ReFlex system which has proven it’s worth over and over. We also find truly impressive  2.5” front and rear rollers given the task of keeping things rolling smoothly and making sure that noise levels are kept to a minimum while also increasing the lifespan of the machine. With a top speed of 22kph (13.7mph) not only is it capable of stretching even the fittest and fastest runners but it does so with aplomb, seemingly never noticing it’s being asked to work.

Workouts are delivered via the 21.5″ full-colour screen and it’s this screen that’s allowed NordicTrack the freedom to move completely away from the idea of preset programs with flashing graphs. Instead, there’s a large selection of HD video workouts via iFit (subscription required) and also a manual mode, a daily updated map workout, and a selection of streamed video-based workouts. The maps are large and clear to see and there’s an icon showing your location but you can also zoom down to street-level in many places. But it’s the videos that really shine here. Led by pro personal trainers who run with you through exotic locations encouraging you and motivating you as you run the course. The incline/decline changes automatically to match the terrain that you’re running through making the whole experience immersive. The videos are fun and engaging and are divided into various categories such as cardio, weight loss and so on, just like traditional programs. What’s more, thanks to the included iFit® Coach 30 day Family membership plan you also get access to a large number of other features such as personal training programmes, dietary advice, races against other iFit members and lots more.

Other features include a wireless heart rate receiver, pulse grips, music port, stereo speakers, accessory tray and a cooling fan that actually does a pretty good job. The X22i is covered by a lifetime frame, 10-year motor and 2-year parts and labour warranty.

Best Price

Currently available for £3599.00 from NordicTrack

Review Summary - In Brief

If you want a top-of-the-line running machine there are not a lot of better models out there for the home than the NordicTrack X22i without going up to full commercial level. There's no doubt that what you get for your investment is a genuinely premium machine that represents very good value for money. That being said, if you don't need the ultra steep incline we'd say it's well worth checking out the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 treadmill which gives you all the goods bits you find on the X22i but with a 3% decline function as well as the 12% incline and will save you a good bit of cash in the process!

NordicTrack Commercial X22i Specifications

  • 4.0 CHP SMART-Response motor
  • 0–22kph (0-13.7mph) speed range with 1-Touch™ speed keys
  •  -6 to 40% decline/incline range with 1-Touch™ incline and decline keys
  • 55cm (22”) x 152cm (60”) running surface
  • 2.5” precision machined and balanced non-flex rollers
  • 22” full-colour capacitive touch display (pivoting)
  • Feedback: Several display modes available (the display mode that you select will determine which workout information is shown). The screen can show: incline level, vertical gain, vertical loss, elapsed time, calories burned, calories per hour, distance, speed, a track representing 400m (1/4 mile), pace, heart rate
  • ReFlex™ cushioning technology
  • Included workouts: Manual mode, daily updated map workout. Selection of streamed video-based workouts.
  • iFit® Coach Enabled, 30-day Free iFit trial included (Verified payment details required for iFit sign up. Auto-renews at the end of the trial period unless cancelled)
  • iFit workouts: Thousands of on-demand video workouts streamed via iFit (subscription required).
  • Heart rate measurement via Dual EKG pulse grips and Bluetooth® Smart wireless receiver (chest belt included)
  • Extras: Dual AutoBreeze™ workout fans, accessory tray, transportation wheels
  • Audio: Compatible music port for iPod®/mp3 player and two 3” speakers
  • Dimensions in use (L x W x H): 179cm (70.5”) x 100cm (39.4”) x 184cm (72.4”)
  • Product weight: 153kg (337.3lbs)
  • Max. user weight: 136kg (300lbs)
  • Mains powered
  • Warranty: Lifetime frame, 10-year motor, 2-year parts, and labour (if registered within 28 days of purchase)

NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Trainer - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Trainer - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Large running deck
  • Excellent cushioning
  • Powerful motor
  • 2.5" front and rear rollers
  • Rock solid construction

The Cons

  • Does not fold
NordicTrack Commercial X22i Incline Trainer Reviewer Ratings

Power - 9
Appearance - 8.5
Running Area - 9
Comfort - 9
Reliability - 9
Noise - 9
Ease Of Use - 9
Controls - 9
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 9
Best Price

Currently available for £3599.00 from NordicTrack

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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